The Detroit Red Wings won their second game, and there was a collective sigh in the group. It may be early in the season, however the pressure is already sky high. The game one loss brought plenty of questions, as well as scrutiny to the forefront.
To be honest, it’s very difficult to gauge a team with less than ten games played. The data is useful, albeit incredibly limited to make any projections on the season. Nonetheless, there is a massive fixation on everything the team has done by fans and media.
The rookies are taking their places
The preseason ended with a shock, as three prospects grabbed roster spots. All three have been impressive, but Axel Sandin-Pellikka may be the biggest shock. ASP’s growth has been incredible, and the coaches continue to be impressed. He has averaged over 20 minutes per night, tied for third on the team with Ben Chiarot.
Both Emmitt Finnie and MBN average 13 minutes, and neither looks out of place. Coach McLellan was impressed with MBN’s “heavy” play, as well as his puck battles. Finnie continues to get looks on the top line, and seems able to hold his own. The rookies’ spots seem stable, at least for now.
James Van Riemsdyk is ready to play
The Red Wings will finally get to see James Van Riemsdyk in action, as he is cleared. JVR is expected to add scoring, but his specific assignments aren’t yet clear. It seems reasonable, if not likely to expect JVR to be on the top power play at some point.
Van Riemsdyk’s minutes last season were low, and it’s not clear how much that will change. It’s expected that he will see some time on the line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Nonetheless, fans will likely get their first look at JVR as Detroit faces Toronto for the second time.
I’ve been harping about the need for a 2nd pairing D, and now they have put ASP in that spot and he is holding it down……so far in a 2-game sample. It would indeed be wonderful if he is able to stay there! But still having Chiarot on the top pair has been a roller coaster, they must have a realignment to get him off the top pair and down on the 3rd pair where he belongs. And I’d rather see Holl up on the 3rd pair than Hamonic if an injury occurs.
Honestly, i can’t say enough about how surprised i am by ASP. His attitude and demeanor are way older than he is. I rewatched some highlights, and he is getting awfully close to his first goal. He skipped a puck on net and got the iron last game. His shot selections are really impressive.
I can’t agree more on the Chiarot scenario. It’s honestly discouraging. This is the last year for him, Gustafsson and Holl. My hope is they somehow secure a deal for a top 4 D before the year ends. Right now it looks like Seider/Edvinsson/ASP and Johansson have taken their places. Buium seemed really close before he got hurt. Still really want that top 4 D though….great drop in. I really appreciate it
A bit early to say, as you said you must wait for at least 10 games, but the D should be better and Chiarot is not the worst (not a 1st pairing though). Happy to see JBD and Al J working together, let’s see what they will do next.
Mo + Al J, and Ed + ASP ? Quite balanced D lines.
Todd said a lot has to do with confidence (if I understood correctly what he meant). The talent is there, speed is there, if Talbot goes on and the D is at least correct, the forwards are going to do the rest.
Let’s see what JVR can do now (it seems as though he didn’t find chemistry yet, but will he find it on this 4th line ? Hum…) !
I love seeing you drop by!!! So incredible to have a Wings fan in France taking the time to comment!!! Thank you so much
You’re absolutely right. I’ll be honest, I’m frustrated with Chiarot and probably not giving him a fair shake. Everyone gets to hit the reset button and I’ve been hard on him. JVR definitely shaking off the rust today. Talbot been huge already
Just listening to today’s game on the radio (luckily, I can, it is not 9 PM here yet) and wanted to notice the two people talking : really good ! You can follow the game properly (a few minutes after it happened) and even without the video, it is interesting.
Are Mo and ASP playing together ? They have the most TOI and it is almost the same…
Thsi game is clearly not the same as game 2 ! 13 shots to 4… ouch, wake up (Todd is not going to be happy) ! Leading 1-0 thanks to the PP and Talbot.
ASP getting PK time, blocking shots, just really steady. Honestly surprised at this kid
Without Talbot Toronto probably up 3-1 or more after 2. Toronto clearly the better team, just getting big saves for Detroit.
Yes, the stats looked no good indeed, nice to have the win but they cannot afford to play like that for a season… what happened : was is Toronto who was that good ? Tired legs ? Raymond missing ?
Raymond is injured, I really hope it is not too bad so he will not lose his rhythm when he comes back. He was starting so nicely !
Ed and ASP at -2, JVR and Appleton with a goal… unexpected game ! (and thank you Talbot)